Major announcement from Apple yesterday: Its previously promised "iOS in the Car" technology is now branded "CarPlay," and will roll out later this year with leading auto companies. This simplified iOS interface integrates seamlessly into your car, with the intention of giving you an easier and more responsible way to use your iPhone on the road.

How it works:

Your car dash will look a lot like your iPhone, with familiar icons for phone calls, music, maps, messages, and music. You'll be able to communicate hands-free with Siri to make calls, play voicemails, draft and send messages, and get turn-by-turn directions. You'll also be able to interact with the dash using the car's knobs, buttons, or touchscreen, if applicable.

While you have access to your downloaded songs and iTunes Radio, it has limited additional third party streaming apps (for instance, it streams iHeart Radio, Spotify and a few others, but not Pandora). You'll also be locked into using Apple Maps for driving, which not everyone prefers.

What you need:

As long as you have an iPhone 5 or newer (iPhone 5, 5C, 5S), you're all set. Just make sure to accept an update to iOS 7 later this year. Then you'll just have to plug in your phone via a Lightning connector and voila, Apple in the car!

Where you can find it:

While Apple has been vague about specific release dates, you can expect it in select vehicles in 2014. Ferrari, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are already on board, displaying CarPlay at the Geneva International Motor Show this week. Introductions from Honda, Hyundai, and Jaguar will follow. Other companies have announced support to come in the near future. According to research from IHS Automative, only an estimated 215,000 cars with CarPlay will be sold this year, but projects 25 million will be sold by 2020.

Bottom line: I'm game for any improvements to make a car ride simpler and safer, and can't wait to test it out soon!

TELL US: Would you want Apple CarPlay in your car?

Rachel Rothman is the Technical Manager and Engineering Director at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute.